Gold Coast Council has dropped its legal bid to block the controversial Nucrush Oxenford Quarry expansion, marking a major backflip in a long-running battle.
The surprise move was revealed in the Planning and Environment Court on Monday, with Council confirming it will no longer push for a full refusal of the project.
While the final decision now rests with the court, Council says its focus has shifted to securing the strictest possible operating conditions if the application is approved.
“The Council knows many residents will be disappointed. Our community has been engaged throughout, with 576 submissions made on this application,” a council spokesperson said.
“Your voices shaped how Council ran its case and they will keep shaping the protections Council fights for.”
Since refusing the application in 2021, Council has engaged more than 16 expert witnesses, specialist planning lawyers and experienced barristers to test the proposal.
The city said the scrutiny led to improvements including more certainty about the proposal’s impacts and the measures to manage them, firmer and more extensive rehabilitation commitments, and a long-term site management fund.
